C5ISRT & UXV Architect

Thales Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 145,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales Canada is seeking a C5ISRT & UxV Architect in Ottawa, Ontario. This role involves ensuring technical policies align with business objectives, while defining mission-critical system architectures. You will also lead a team and communicate solutions to various audiences.

With at least 10 years of experience in defense/aerospace and a Master’s degree in related fields, the successful candidate will work in a hybrid environment, focusing on innovative system designs and autonomous technologies.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in defense/aerospace system architecture, with 5+ years specializing in C5ISRT or UXV.
• Hands-on experience with MIL-STD, STANAG or civil-military standards.
• Expertise in cyber hardening, KEYMAT, or cryptographic systems.

Responsibilities

• Define C5ISRT and UXV system architectures.
• Lead trade-off analyses for system components.
• Develop tactical data links and network-centric warfare architectures.

Skills

C5ISRT domain expertise

Leadership in cross-functional teams

Excellent communication

Education

Master’s/PhD in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

DOORS

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Location

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid)

Position Summary

The mission of the C5ISRT & UxV Architect is to ensure that the technical policy and strategic plan are well-defined and understood by the project, in line with the business objectives, and implemented accordingly. You will lead the definition and design of mission‑critical systems, driving the future of Manned‑Unmanned Teaming (MUM‑T) and UxV architectures. You will build professional teams from external partners and internal resources, communicate technical solutions to all audiences, and earn the trust of critical systems operators.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Architecture Design & System Engineering: Define C5ISRT and UXV system architectures (functional, technical, and operational) aligned with customer requirements, NATO/DoD standards, and Thales’ roadmaps. Lead trade‑off analyses for system components, ensure interoperability with legacy systems, allied forces’ platforms, and joint all‑domain command and control (JADC2) frameworks. Model system‑of‑systems (SoS) interactions using tools like SysML, UAF, or DoDAF/MoDAF.
• UXV & Autonomous Systems Integration: Specify requirements for unmanned aerial (UAV), ground (UGV), maritime (USV), or underwater (UUV) vehicles within C5ISRT ecosystems. Design autonomous behaviors, swarming algorithms, and human‑machine teaming (HMT) interfaces. Integrate AI/ML for ISR, target recognition, and decision support. Address safety, ethics, and regulatory compliance.
• C5ISRT Domain Expertise: Develop tactical data links, network‑centric warfare (NCW) architectures, and resilient communications. Design cyber‑secure C2 systems with zero‑trust principles, encryption, and anti‑tampering measures. Optimize sensor fusion and data exploitation for real‑time situational awareness.
• Stakeholder & Program Leadership: Act as the technical authority in proposals, customer meetings, and gate reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR). Align architectures with Thales’ SIX product lines and support bid teams with cost‑benefit analyses. Mentor junior architects/engineers.
• Innovation & R&D: Scout emerging technologies (e.g., quantum‑resistant crypto, 6G for defense, edge AI) and contribute to Thales’ R&T programs and collaborative projects. Patent novel solutions in autonomous C2 or resilient networks.

Export Control & Compliance

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s/PhD in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years in defense/aerospace system architecture, with 5+ years specializing in C5ISRT or UXV.
• Hands‑on experience with MIL‑STD, STANAG, or civil‑military standards (e.g., STANAG 4607 for UAVs). Proven track record in systems engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, Cameo, Capella, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Technical skills in C5ISRT domains (C2, ISR, EW, cyber, tactical networks) and UXV platforms (autonomy stacks, payload integration, swarming). Modeling: SysML, UPDM, or MBSE methodologies. Security: cyber hardening, KEYMAT, or cryptographic systems.
• Soft skills: strategic thinking, leadership in cross‑functional teams, excellent communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in at least 5 of: Cybersecurity, Cloud, Mobile communications, Distributed systems, IP Radios & Networking, Command and control systems, Software systems architecture, Model‑based systems engineering, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning, Data Science, Autonomous systems, UX principles, Software systems integration, Software development lifecycle.

Special Position Requirements

• Physical Environment: Hybrid working – remote and on‑site as required.
• Travel: May be required domestically and/or internationally to different Thales and/or customer sites.
• Security: Must be able to obtain and hold a valid Canadian security clearance and meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Canadian Controlled Goods Registration Program and ITAR.

Compensation

Target Total Compensation (TTC) market range: $145,000 - $210,000 CAD annually.

EEO Statement

Thales is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Thales is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process.